Yao Xiyin wakes up in ancient times as the eldest daughter of the ordinary Yao family.
As soon as she comes to, her mother has already died, leaving her a shop of uncertain condition, two younger siblings at a loss, and a father whose whereabouts are unknown.
After burying her mother, Yao Xiyin takes her younger siblings to the capital to claim their inheritance.
Her aunt says, "Yin, that shop is practically falling apart. Your uncle and I spent quite a bit fixing it up, and we don't have any money to give you."
Her uncle says, "Yin, just bring your younger siblings and stay with us. You're old enough to be thinking about marriage, too. Don't worry, your uncle will find you a fine match."
Her cousins say, "Country bumpkins! Mom, Dad, we don't want to live with these poor people from the countryside!"
Yao Xiyin nearly laughs at their faces.
As if she would want to live in their house. She takes the keys and leaves, and the three siblings move straight into the half-burned ruin.
The neighbors all pity them, while her aunt's family waits for them to come begging to return the keys.
Yao Xiyin, who ran a guesthouse in her previous life, rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. She earns money selling things at a street stall, fixes up the courtyard, and opens an inn!
Together with her younger siblings, she builds a thriving life.
*
Cui Yanshu is on his way to the capital to take the imperial examinations when he runs into a daylight robber. The thief not only steals his purse, but also takes every last banknote hidden in his socks and books by his own mother!
At a loss over whether to ask one of his father's old friends for help, he sees Yao Xiyin appear out of nowhere. "Young master, would you like a room?"
"If you're taking this year's examinations, you can pay later~"
Later, Cui Yanshu places third in the palace examination. The capital's nobles are waiting to snatch up a husband from among the successful candidates, and they've already set their sights on him, following him right to the inn.
Cui Yanshu shuts the door, his cheeks scarlet as he looks at Yao Xiyin. "Lady Yao, I passed the examinations. Please accept this payment for my room."
"As for the interest, I was thinking... I could offer myself in marriage. Would you accept?"
[Reader's Guide]
① The setting and customs are inspired by the Song dynasty, but this is an alternate world. Assume all currently known ingredients have been introduced, and most of the original worldbuilding is fictional.
② Everyday life in the common quarters, raising children, food, and running an inn.
③ The romance develops a little later.
Theme: Independence and creating a wonderful life
